Isola: LeBron James heading west presents opportunity for Knicks to sign top free agents next offseason

If you think LeBron James to the Lakers changes everything, including the perception of Magic Johnson’s team, just consider that the Knicks are pushing the idea that the signing of Mario Hezonja is proof that free agents want to play in New York.

How’s that for a stretch?

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This glass-is-half-full theory conveniently overlooks the fact that Carmelo Anthony forced his way to New York while Amare Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Jason Kidd all signed free agent contracts with the Knicks within the last eight years.

LeBron James joining the Lakers presents an opportunity for the Knicks to emerge in the Eastern Conference. (Jae C. Hong / AP)

The arrival of Hezonja, a former lottery pick trying to resurrect his career, doesn’t mean the dysfunction that has triumphed at Madison Square Garden the last two decades no longer exists. It’s one very small step. The Knicks will have another season to get their house in order in advance of the deep 2019 free agent class.

Until then, this is the last time the King and Super Mario will be mentioned in the same breath. The Knicks, however, should take some satisfaction in LeBron leaving the Eastern Conference for at least three years, if not the remainder of his brilliant career.

Yes, the dream of LeBron in a Knicks uniform, at least in his prime, is over. But the Knicks, like the Celtics and Sixers, benefit from having LeBron out of the picture. Good riddance.

The Western Conference is now home to the last seven MVPs: James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Dirk Nowitzki and LeBron. The West also has Kawhi Leonard, a former Finals MVP, as well as Anthony Davis, Karl Anthony-Towns, Damian Lillard and Klay Thompson. That’s a lot of star power for one conference.

The best player in the East is arguably Giannis Antetokounmpo. You also have Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and a healthy Kyrie Irving. That’s the same Kyrie who would consider joining the Knicks next summer as a free agent.

This is a good time to be a contender in the East. The Knicks aren’t there yet, but with LeBron and the mighty Golden State Warriors now residing in the same division, the smart free agents will seek playoff asylum in the Eastern Conference. This should give the Knicks and their long-suffering fans some hope.

It also speaks to LeBron’s mindset. Leaving the East doesn’t make much sense, not after reaching the NBA Finals eight straight years. From a basketball standpoint, remaining in Cleveland or perhaps joining the Sixers or even the rival Celtics was his best bet of reaching the Finals. Signing with Los Angeles will bring more celebrities to Staples Center and mean more national television dates for the Lakers. But it doesn’t mean another title.

Kyrie Irving is among the top targets the Knicks could bring in next offseason. (Steven Senne/AP)

LeBron turns 34 in December. Assuming the Warriors stay healthy and together, LeBron is going to need more than Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma just to get out of the West. Especially after Golden State added DeMarcus Cousins on a one-year deal Monday night.

LeBron made a huge commitment to the Lakers; a four-year contract with an opt-out after Year 3. He was never willing to make that commitment to the Cavaliers. The length of James’ contract gives Magic Johnson time to add another star, absolutely. But unless the Spurs are willing to trade Kawhi to a conference rival, who can the Lakers realistically acquire that puts them in the same class with Golden State or even Houston?

This is a risk for LeBron on so many levels. Wilt, Jerry West, Kareem, Magic, Shaq and Kobe all won titles in L.A. If LeBron can’t even reach an NBA Finals, the move will be a basketball failure. LeBron can make movies and cut business deals all over Hollywood. He’s in position to enhance his financial portfolio, but this move may not enhance his basketball legacy.

But this was a move the Lakers absolutely had to make. Their brand had taken a major hit over the last five years. But one free agent changes everything. That’s why next summer is so crucial for the Knicks.